ATLANTA....The time is fast approaching for the end of the claims process in the Black Farmer Lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (also known as Pigford II).

May 11, 2012 is the final day for farmers to file their claim.

We, in the "Network of Black Farm Groups and Advocates" (see the list below), encourage all claimants who have not already done so to call the lawsuit administrator (EPIQ) at 877 810 8110 to immediately make appointments with attorneys to fill out and submit their claim form.

However, while it's best to have an appointment, now at the end of the 180 day claims period, in most instances claimants can "walk-in" to be served, even if they do not have an appointment. In fact, in most scheduled meetings in May, it will be "first come - first serve" for claimants to see an attorney (see the list below).

If you are not certain if you are in the lawsuit, you should immediately call EPIQ at 877 810 8110 to find out if you are on the list of eligible claimants.

Starting in the beginning of May, every day in most of our southern states there are meetings scheduled for claimants to meet with attorneys. You can go to the Black Farmer Case Lawsuit website at www.blackfarmercase.com for information about meetings with attorneys including the date, time and location. Below, however, is a list of these meetings in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia: